The problem with reality television is that, unlike its scripted brethren, it can never change. Sure, producers can add in a specific gimmick in an attempt at bringing “innovation,” and different contestants come and go like a revolving door, but the show will remain the same—a reality show lives or dies by it premise. Unfortunately for RuPaul’s Drag U, it’s way too light to warrant seasonal viewing.
Much like last episode, Drag U introduces yet another group of women in need of the miracle of drag in their lives. This time, the name of the game is women in uniform: Christine, a 40-year old sergeant in the marine core; Virginia, a firefighter trainee; and Bernadette, a police sergeant who, at the drop of the hat, will burst into giant tears. Each woman is then paired off with a Drag Professor—Raven, Shannel, and Raja are this episode's drag-queen personalities—and they get to work discovering each contestant’s latent femininity.
The Sheroes (as they are so eloquently called by RuPaul) are taken to the Drag Lab, where they all try on jewelry, wigs, and dresses before they are brought before the almighty Dragulator, and they are each given their Drag names: Christine is Belle Supreme; Virginia is Empress Dupree , and Bernadette is Destiny Del Ray. After receiving their names, they’re given Lady Lessons once again by the oppressively unfunny Lady Bunny and her book-bouncing man styler. The Sheroes learn to wear heels—with varying results. Bernadette appeared to have the most difficulty with the heels, claiming she was deftly afraid of them. Virginia is convinced that tall women should never wear heels, and Christine was worried about her feet getting dirty. Lady Bunny called these excuses “shoelies” (clever) and they all practice getting better with them.
As you can see, it’s getting a bit… hard writing this recap. Mostly because there’s no real difference since the first episode: once again, the women are allowed to pick two choices of clothing (mostly as a way to sell clothes to the viewer), and again the girls have to prepare for their final competition in the form of dance choreography, this time to Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard for the Money.”
Bernadette adds a bit more drama into the mix with her attempting to deal with the death of her wife. This leads to one of the better moments of the episode: RuPaul confronts a crying Bernadette and comforts her, as well as make a quick joke about trying to sell her necklace on eBay. It’s a short but sweet moment that serves as proof that even reality TV can be genuine and not just simply a full-on exploitation machine.
Finally, the Sheroes being their final competition and proceed to dance for the judge. Despite it being fairly close, it’s Bernadette/Destiny Del Ray that wins the “contest”. Yay?
Sumology: It’s the same old, same old. Unless drags are a constant source of entertainment, there really isn’t much here for the casual viewer.
Grade: C
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